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How is a Detox going to improve my Health?
Health Topics on this page
Why do we need to detox?
Detox (short for detoxification) is a diet approach to help your body to remove toxins stored in the tissues. It is a process that occurs naturally within the body.
Don’t think that you have to fast for weeks on end or purge yourself to achieve this. There are many ways to improve your health through a detox and each method can be done quite easily and by implementing your own personal detox program
Why do we need to detox?Unfortunately, in our polluted environment, many bodies simply become overloaded. This can result from exposure to environmental toxins over time or from short-term high-level exposure, such as Gulf War Syndrome.
It can be the result of lifestyle habits, such as a poor diet, combined with excesses of smoking, drugs and alcohol. It can also be the result of toxins generated within the body itself, as in the case of candidiasis,for example.
Regardless of the causes, the bottom line is that for many people, the body's systems cannot process these toxins as quickly as they are taken in or generated. Studies have shown some 500,000 different chemicals are used in the world today, and that 5,000 new chemical substances are added each year. In addition our bodies are exposed to natural toxins like pollen, dust, animal dander, and smoke.
At the same time, misuse of antibiotics has created resistant strains of bacteria. What effect these "super-bugs" will have on humanity is still unknown, but the fact that they are around points to the vital importance of protecting and strengthening our immune system.
A healthy immune system is more able to process all the toxins around us more effectively. It is the job of the immune system to "remember" and "perceive" which substances are harmful to the body, and then attack and destroy them. Our emotions can also affect the immune system. Someone who is depressed for example often has an immune system that is suppressed. More about mental health here Studies have discovered that allergies can often be the result of an immune system being overloaded and becoming “confused” about what toxins to attack and can then attack body tissue. This often happens as a result of yeast infections like candidiasis and resulting “leaky gut syndrome” which allows partially digested proteins to enter the bloodstream.
The immune system then begins marking the proteins as "foreign invaders" and a whole load of food allergies can result. For those who face illness, which we all do at some time or another, you can help your body's own healing mechanisms respond to your illness by the use of a detox. For those of you who are currently healthy, detoxifying your body can help you to maintain your health, and help you to avoid practices that might lead to illness in your future.
For all of us living in an increasingly toxic world, knowledge of your immune system and detoxification can help you respond to the toxins you are exposed to in everyday life. The choice is up to you. But today's choices may well determine your comfort and well being in the days ahead. More about how the immune system works here
Do you need to detox?Are you Overweight? If you're overweight, you have more toxins in your body than a thin person because the body stores excess toxins in fat cells. But don't despair– one of the great additional benefits of detoxing is losing weight! Free diet book available here!
Are you tired all the time? The first symptoms of chronic poisoning, in toxicology textbooks is low energy, fatigue, muscle weakness, inability to concentrate and intestinal complaints.
Do you suffer from frequent headaches? Food additives, sugar, alcohol, caffeine withdrawal, constipation, hormonal imbalance and exposure to irritants such as pollution, perfume or after-shaves are all causes of headaches that can often be relieved by detoxification.
Warning: if your headaches are accompanied by fever and stiffness in the neck, pressure behind the eyes relieved by vomiting, pressure in the sinus area, throbbing of head and temples, a pounding heartbeat, visual color changes, feeling as though your head will explode, light sensitivity, confusion or loss of speech, blurred vision, or chronic headache pain that worsens after coughing, exertion, straining or sudden movement, consult your health care provider.
Do you suffer from other aches and pains? Several forms of arthritis can be greatly relieved by a detoxification diet, plus taking targeted supplements. Arthritis pain may be related to a toxic reaction to specific foods like food allergies. It can also be caused by dehydration from an inadequate intake of water, a very common problem.
Do you have frequent colds and flu? These are signs of a suppressed immune system. Detoxification, appropriate nutritional supplements and improvement in diet (as well as improved ways of coping with stress) can help greatly. Exercise, but not over strenuous exercise can also be part of a plan for improving your immune system.
Do you suffer constipation or digestive problems? A healthy digestive system eliminates its contents one to three times daily. If you do not have at least one bowel movement a day, or if you have flatulence or chronic indigestion, a detox program as part of a change of diet and awareness about food can often change those problems quickly.
Do you have high blood pressure? Some nutritional therapists recommend fasting. There are numerous less strenuous forms of detox I recommend here that can achieve the same effect over a longer period of time, that are much easier to endure. For further help with high blood presure you should also visit This website for natural health advice.
The dietary suggestions I give for high blood pressure are similar to the Anti Cancer Diet offered on this site. High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and for those who suffer from it need to be under a doctor's care, but I encourage you to also work with a nutritional therapist or naturopath who can support you in lifestyle changes that will address many of its risk factors. Do you suffer from PMS? In general, detoxing, at any level, enhances your ability to deal with it. I recommend more gradual diet improvements. The liver is major storehouse for excess toxins, which includes hormones. More about PMS and other related hormone problems here
Do you have allergies or sensitivies? By and large, conventional health care only deals with masking the symptoms of allergies and food sensitivities, rather than attempting to resolve them.
The first step that many alternative practitioners, (including me) recommend is a change of diet that cuts out wheat and dairy foods, two common allergens. To do so is also the first step in "detoxing." Higher levels of detoxing, as well as additional immune support through targeted nutritional supplements, have been known to help many allergy sufferers.
Allergies are, however, a very individual condition. Allergy testing can yield important insights, so visit a nutritional therapist who offers this.
Do you often drink more than small amounts of alcohol? If so, a detox program can help you feel better, younger and stronger. Of course, if you're not ready to quit drinking heavily (and realistically that's the only way most heavy drinkers can cut down), a weekend detox won't do you much good. If you eat a very nutritious diet and take daily essential supplements, you still might live to old age, even if you're decrepit when you get there! Don't kid yourself, health wise, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol regularly is one of the worst things for your health you can do. More about drinking sensibly here
Do you drink caffeinated drinks regularly? Most people do. And with the stress of our society, it's hard not to. Even if you're not ready to quit for good, a Spring and Aumumn detox can give your liver a chance to rest from detoxifying all that caffeine every day.
That can also have tremendous physical health benefits in terms of more energy, better sleep and reduced stress. In turn feeling healthier can also make it possible to cut down on caffeine after your detox.
Do you smoke cigarettes? I'm sure no one has to tell you they're toxic. But unless you're one of the few people who only smoke a couple at parties now and again, you've got an unhealthy addiction that is not only expensive, and truly unhealthy to yourself and to others. One great way to look at this is, if you can kick this habit (and you can) this is detoxifying in itself. Other health improvements are going to be easy by comparison! More about giving up smoking here
Do you use over-the-counter or recreational drugs? Any drug (even if it's prescribed by your doctor, or sold in a drug store as safe-to-use)has to be broken down by your liver, your major organ of detoxification. Your liver is also busy doing a lot of other things that keep you alive, and if it gets too overloaded, it can't process all the toxins. Instead of processing them, it stores them within the liver itself, as well as in other organs and in fat cells. More about precription drugs here
Do you eat fast foods, fried foods or refined foods? Fast foods have little, if any, nutritional value. Fast foods, fried foods and refined foods also have to be processed by the liver and take its energy away from other detoxification work it has to do. More about the effects of fast "junk" foods here. A low fat diet, with lots of whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables supports the liver with nutrients and easy-to-digest food. Switching to such a diet is the first step in an over-all detox program that can give you more energy, help you to lose weight and feel years younger. If you have answered yes to any of these, you can significantly benefit from detox. Even if you haven't, detox can help you feel even better, and help you protect your health to an even greater extent.
Basically, what this means is taking a load off your liver. The good news is THIS CAN BE DONE.
How to prepare to DetoxA detoxification process is not something you're going to succeed at unless you make up your mind to do it. And it requires a degree of self-discipline to resist temptations placed before you by friends, families, co-workers, advertising, aromas or just a walk through a food store. As you feel better, this will probably prevent you from wavering as you gradually reduce your intake of liver-stressing foods, drugs and drinks.
Find ways to avoid toxins found in your personal environment. As you gradually increase supplements, herbs and other substances this will increase your body's ability to process out the excessive level of toxins that all of us find in the modern world.
Detoxing can make you have very intense feelings. For women, as the detox process goes on, stored oestrogen re-entering the bloodstream can cause intense PMS symptoms. Similarly for men, excesses of testosterone that the liver has postponed processing come back into the bloodstream during a detox.
Also all types of drugs that you took long ago and have never been fully broken down by your body re-enter your consciousness as they re-enter your bloodstream. And can do whatever they didn't finish the first time around.
These are experiences that you have to wade through with a sense of determination. It helps to understand and be aware of what is going on so that you aren't confused by what you're feeling. Self-awareness and understanding is the key to good health. Finally, when you've made it through the intense part of the detox (usually the first 20 days) you'll feel a mental clarity you may not have experienced for a very long time. You will be more present, more alive. You will be different.
Planning the timing of your detox health improvement plan is very important. In general, spring and autumn (fall) are very good times for these programs. The most important aspect is finding a time in your life when your stress level is lower than at other times.
Some good Methods of Detoxing GraduallyFor those who never take much exercise I suggest 100 minutes of walking per week. That's just under 15 minutes a day. Regular activity helps your body detoxify and get rid of toxins quicker. The most beneficial level of exercise is that which causes you to perspire--a point at which toxins are released naturally through the skin. Overexerting, yourself however, becomes counterproductive.
Therapeutic massage, especially by a massage therapist trained in lymphatic massage, can be a tremendous boost to your detox. Your lymph system carries waste products and toxins away from the cells that are broken down by the liver. Stimulating the lymph system helps the body's natural detoxification processes. More about how massage can help here
A sauna causes you to sweat, and while sweating, your body releases toxins. Body tissue and the nervous system undergo changes in sauna and help fat loss. They are not recommended for anyone who is pregnant.
Epsom salts can draw toxins out of your body. Start with a very clean bath, take a shower first, then fill the bath with the hottest water you can stand. Begin with l/4 cup of epsom salts, work up gradually to 4 cups, and as long as l/2 hour. If you experience light-headedness, drain the water, and wait until you feel steady. Otherwise, take a shower after and dry off with a clean towel.
Another thing to try is using a dry skin brushing. Here's how to do it: Immediately before showering or bathing, start with the feet and gently brush up toward the heart. Brush from the extremities toward the center. Brush gently in a circular motion around your abdomen and breasts. It only takes a minute or two...not long! The right dry skin brush is made of vegetable bristles that are neither too stiff nor too soft. It shouldn't scratch, but you should feel some friction against the skin.
A number of prepared detox teas are available. They contain detoxifying herbs that assist your body's ability to convert toxins that can be processed out via the bowel or kidneys.
Please remember the benefits of going through a detox are that you are going to feel better. You are also going to look better because you can expect to lose at least five to 10 pounds. Your eyes will become brighter. Your skin will become clearer. You'll have more energy because you will have given your internal systems, especially your liver, a well-deserved break. You'll also be able to think more clearly.
Detox by DietGiven a choice of first reducing your intake of caffeine, meat, dairy, sugar and all manner of refined and deep fried foods, which do you choose? Start with whichever one is easiest for you to give up. After you've successfully kept that one out of your diet from anywhere between three days to three weeks, eliminate a second one as soon as you feel you are ready. Actually, if you're young and healthy, you can take as long as you want to change your diet, i.e. give up or cut down on one every six months, like beef, dairy, chicken, seafood, non-organically grown produce, etc. Many people are allergic to wheat and dairy and don't realise it. You could be tested for allergies, or just try going without them for at least two weeks. Cutting them out can result in tremendous health improvements. This is a very slow and painless detox process until you drop sugar, caffeine, tobacco, alcohol or recreational drugs.
I really caution you however about going "cold turkey" on more than one of these at a time unless you are under a health practitioner's care. All the while you will gradually be replacing these things you cut out with healthier substitutes. Now is the time to get to know your local health food store and the produce section of your supermarket. Buy organic to the extent it's available and the extent to which you can afford it. (If you're ill, find a way to afford it, because health is priceless.)
Try experimenting with more healthy recipes.Free recipes here Get into it. It can be lots of fun! Plan plenty of time for cooking as you begin this phase. Listen to your favorite music as you prepare the meal. Invite friends around - Make meals an event where everyone sits down together. Turn down the ring on the phone–and turn off the television. Celebrate the meal!
Changes of this nature can be tremendously difficult, especially if you have a family member who resists. Okay, so the kids want pizza once in a while, but you could try making it from an Italian recipe, with a green salad on the side.
If you don't like to cook, I hope you have an excellent health food store nearby, with a wide variety of pre-prepared foods available (check ingredients carefully). Buying frozen or ready meals at the supermarket is not going to be an adequate substitute. The numbers of additives used in packaged foods runs opposite to the process you're trying to do. You want food made from fresh whole ingredients, with few, if any, additives, and as much organic food as possible. More about additives in food here
Not all of the changes have to be that difficult. One of the advantages of eating more fresh fruits, for example, is that they don't need any advance preparation other than washing. Try eating at least an apple a day. Drinking more water is healthier, cheaper and easier than fizzy drinks, and once you are used to it, water can be the most refreshing drink there is.
Better water health choices and more pure water is a tremendous aid to the kidneys in their role in detoxification, especially if you're used to drinking a lot of caffeinated drinks during the day.
Sticking with a healthier diet also takes a lot of advance planning to make up for the times when you come home from work and you really just want to collapse into bed.
More and more working people are finding that the best way to eat both healthily and affordably is to do most of their cooking or cooking preparation all at once over the weekend, and then keep the food you'll eat within a couple of days in the refrigerator and freeze the rest.
Detox SupplementsOne more very important step in your detox program is to make sure your daily intake of essential supplements is kept up. Gradually introduce them into your diet. The reason behind this is so you get used to taking them before introducing another. These are:
Vitamins
Vitamin C (buffered or Ester-C), 500-2000 mg.
Minerals: probably in a mineral tablet or solution that includes:
Zinc (picolinate or oxide) 10-30 mg.
Amino Acids Probably in one tablet that includes:
L-cysteine 100-300 mg. Herbs:
Garlic
This may seem like a lot to take but around 17 of the supplements mentioned above can be included in just 3 tablets. You just have to shop around and find a good health food shop that will help you make the right choices. You won't regret it. I detoxed for several months at the outset and I must say it paid dividends. Your health is precious. Look after it.
12 steps to a complete body detox
Do you need to detox? Not sure how it works and the best way to go about it? For a 5 day detailed detox program including meal plans and helpful advice, subscribe by filling out the form below. Your detox program will then be explained step by step over the next 5 days via email. At the end of 5 days you should be feeling re-energised and re-vitalised!
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How does the immune system work? Find out here
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